Who is Altay Bayindir? The Fenerbahce player 'undergoing medical tests' with Man Utd

Manchester United are considering a move for Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir with the player undergoing medical tests, it has been claimed.

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, the Old Trafford club have been pursuing Bayindir for some time but want to gain clarity around the condition of a back problem before deciding whether to press ahead and sign the 25-year-old shot-stopper.

The Turkey international is undergoing provisional checks in Greece and subject to the results, United will reportedly have the choice to close out a deal worth around €5million (£4.2million) for the player or turn their attention to other options.

Bayindir's arrival would be contingent on Dean Henderson's departure, with Crystal Palace said to be the most likely destination at present.

But who is Bayindir?

Bayindir joined Fenerbahce back in the summer of 2019, making his debut against Gazişehir Gaziantep F.K. in a 5-0 victory.

The 6 ft 6' goalkeeper has since impressed, having proved to be a proficient shot stopper and good at stopping penalties.

However, in October 2021, in a 2–1 away defeat to Konyaspor, Bayındir injured himself in a collision with Serdar Gurler and required surgery on his shoulder, forcing him out of action for three months.

It is unclear whether the injury United are gaining clarity on is related to this historical problem, a lumbar hernia issue which required surgery in April, or an unrelated issue.

Last term, the goalkeeper featured 40 times for Fenerbahce while he has played on 146 occasions for the club across his career.

He has also earned five caps for his national side, making his debut in a friendly against Azerbaijan in May 2021.

Admired for his ability with the ball at his feet, Bayindir's performances for Fenerbahce have seen him linked to United, as well as Ajax, Nottingham Forest and Inter this summer.

As mentioned Bayindir's move to United is contingent on Henderson's departure, with the 26-year-old academy graduate currently returning from an injury of his own. Henderson will only be allowed to leave if United have a replacement to complete a three-strong pool of senior keepers alongside No.1 Andre Onana and backup Tom Heaton.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Transfers, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.